Yesterday in the afternoon on setting up a rehearsal at the venue, I came to stand up on this sacred platform and realised what an awesome visual unfolded in front of me. Semi circular three tiered seating, boxes for the important visitors, velvet and art deco, Lalique and gold inscriptions, acoustics beyond measure and beyond microphones, and just an air of immense sophistication - an honor that the facility gives to those that perfect themselves in the field of the performing arts.

And me ! Small, pigmied, in the presence of all this greatness, alone on this stage reciting Hindi poetry to an audience that shall not understand a spoken word, nor that of English - what am I doing here ?

Apprehensions galore. Uncertainty and fear written large over my face. But my strength - the presence of my Father’s words and writings in my hand close to me. All those years of spending endless hours in his company, when he graced poetic symposiums, sittings and informal meetings on his poetry at home and in the homes of others, all coming to the fore now and the inspiration of that presence to be today, poured out. And the challenge really, whether I will be able to do, even the smallest and minuscule justice to his renditions and to his genius !!

I must not dwell on this any more. Its overpowering talk and thought, shall only help in bringing down the spirits I shall need, to overcome my task tonight.

After the rehearsal we spent a delightful evening with some friends who had among them great academic talent from the country of my present stay, and much was discussed on matters of mutual interest. The young man had spent three fruitful years in India and most of it Mumbai, working in one the most prestigious newspapers of the country. The conversation quite obviously, harbored along media and its various manifestations. Some delightful insights were brought forward by my guest and some counters from me were equally appreciated. In all a wonderful exchange of ideas and thoughts that left the both of us hopefully wiser and with greater wisdom.

Abhishek has his own heart pumping racing along with that of Aishwarya for their upcoming release ‘Raavan’. In Delhi now for its promotions then tomorrow morning in Hyderabad for it, ending up in Mumbai by the evening to join a TV show promoting it and finally catching a flight at night to be in London on the 15th for the Premier of ‘Raavan’ on the 16th of June at 6 PM red carpet and 7 PM show at the British Film Institute, South Bank, London.

And yes, after my own recital finishes here in Paris tonight, Jaya and I shall be going back to London to join Abhishek and Aishwarya for the premier too. A family reunion after many days and looking forward to it.

Time, distance, events all combining together in one great big extensive flow - the vagaries of our lives in this century ! The mind, the body and the very system having to cope with it. Many among you ask how one does all this, or how does the energy develop to cope with it. I have no answer for it except, when the need arises, the body rises.

This body, this amazing piece of natures machinery, has from time immemorial been tested and tried through the most strenuous and extenuating circumstances, and has always come out with surprises. I wish and pray that in the coming hours and days, it lives up to the reputation that we have all come to believe and respect !

Au revoir !! Love and happiness as always -

Amitabh Bachchan